Further Education and PLC Questions and Answers

I always wanted to become a PE teacher but didn’t get enough points to get into a Higher Education Institute. What are my options now?

Im doing my leaving cert this year and i was wondering if you fail maths in your leaving cert can you still apply for a PLC?

What is the difference between QQI minor awards and QQI major awards?

Was looking at a course that offered BTEC award, whats the difference between BTEC and QQI awards?

Am looking at doing a vtos course and wondering what is the difference between this and a plc course?

What exactly is QQI & What does it do?

I will have completed a Leaving Certificate Applied course in June with distinctions, however, I now find that I cannot get a PLC course in Nursing Studies, (one college wanted Biology, however, another did not but wanted Maths), leading on to a degree in Health and Society or similiar. I was told by my school that I could do any PLC course choice. I am devastated as I thought he prospectus referred to regular Leaving Certificate students. Are there any suggestions as to how to go about gaining access to the Health andSociety/ Promotion degree course via the National Qualifications?

I am a mature student interested in nursing, I was told I must apply through the CAO and also complete PAS, what does this involve?

I have been working as an apprentice plasterer for over a year, now my employer states he is not continuing with his occupation and is going out of business in the near future, what do I do?

I am currently on Back to Education Allowance. Another student in my class gets a PLC maintenance grant, would I qualify for this?

I am unemployed and interested in returning to education, will I qualify for Back to Education Initiative?

Hearing a lot about apprenticeships recently & not sure how well I'm going to do in exams. If I was to try an apprenticeship how long before I qualify?

Am looking at doing a QQI level 5 course next year, course is in the CAS system, what does this mean?

What is community education & how can I access it?

My son is interested in doing a PLC course but I was wondering if these courses can only be provided by ETBs or if private colleges can offer PLC courses. Some of the courses he's looked at in further education colleges are only €300 but in some private colleges they can be as much as €2,000! Is there any difference in these courses, or is it just that the ETB run courses are government funded? Are they all recognised as PLCs?

Am trying to get into a PLC which in turn will lead to gaining a degree at third level. Is this possible through PLC and is there any course available that will help achieve this ? I have done some IT courses but seem to be finding it difficult to get a career out of them. Thus, having a degree - eventually - would hopefully make it easier.